140 likes | 256 Views
A Courageous Contribution. Mark 12:41-44. Courageous givers give more than they are able!. Mark 12:41-44. The desire to be seen was a big problem in Jesus’ day.
E N D
A Courageous Contribution Mark 12:41-44
The desire to be seen was a big problem in Jesus’ day. • “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matt 6:1).
“The test of liberality is not what is given, but what is left.”
“Courageous givers give more than they are able.” • This poor widow does. • The Macedonians did (2 Cor 8:1-4).
Courageous giving allows God to bless. • “He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses” (Prov 28:27). • “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). • God does not promise monetary blessings for our giving.
Courageous giving allows the church to function. • Courageous giving allows the church to care. • We sometimes learn of financial needs. • The church has always been full of folks wiling to meet financial needs. • Acts 2:44-45. • Acts 4:32-35.
Courageous giving allows the gospel to spread. • Preachers are to be paid by the church. • “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14).
We budget. • We need to be wise stewards. • We must make sure God gets the “firstfruits of our income. • “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Cor 16:2). • Budgeting says a great deal about your spiritual health. • Matt 6:19-21. • What does your giving reveal about your spiritual life?
We trust. • God has promised to bless the generous giver. • 2 Cor 9:6-11. • 1 Tim 6:17-19. • Are you trusting in the promises of God?